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In previous blogs, we have shared information about the pine straw industry and how our equipment, especially our Ibex TX31 Mini Round Baler with Net Wrap and Ibex TX80 Belt Rake, can be used to increase pine straw production. In this blog, we are taking a different approach. Tim Collins, TTD customer and owner of Quality Pine Straw Sales in Mississippi, gives us a personal look at the industry–from the baling process he follows, to the equipment he uses, to the product his customers expect. …

At Tractor Tools Direct we specialize in small-farm hay equipment, but did you know that our Ibex Mini Round Balers are popular with pine straw producers too? Their compact size and maneuverability make them a perfect choice for harvesting straw between the narrow tree rows of a pine plantation. Read on to learn more about this alternative use for mini round balers. The southeastern United States is home to countless acres of pine tree forests which are managed not only for their timber, bu …

With December and the holidays in full swing, pine trees are on many people’s minds. Therefore, it seems to be an appropriate time to discuss an alternative use for pine trees. Many may not realize it, but the southeastern United States is home to countless acres of pine tree forests which are managed not only for their timber, but also for their needles. Even evergreen trees such as pines go through an annual shed. These shed needles are then baled and marketed for many uses including landscapi …

For many people, pine needles are simply a pesky, prickly nuisance that must be dealt with when cleaning up the Christmas tree or raking under the scotch pine in their front yard. However, pine needles have a lot of uses—some a little unconventional and others quite functional. They can be used to produce essential oils, natural soaps and household cleaners along with tea, tinctures and dyes. Varieties of long-leaf pines produce needles that can even be woven into baskets. Here at Tractor Too …

Pat, our founder and president, and Tommy, our sales manager, spent October 17th-19th at the Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, GA showcasing our TXP33 pine straw baler. Many of you may already be familiar with our line of Abbriata mini round balers as they relate to hay production, but in the southeastern US pine straw producers find them very useful for improving the efficiency of pine straw baling. Pine straw is a very popular landscaping mulch which is a wise use of resources considering how plent …